From April 2nd to May 23rd, ANM inspectors conducted random inspections of Mining Activities in these areas in accordance with Article 119(4) of Law No. 12/2021, of 30 June, on the Mining Code.
During the inspections, the inspectors discovered that several companies, both local and international, were conducting Mining Activities, particularly the extraction of sand and rocks without obtaining the required Environmental Licenses and Mineral Permits for commercialization and supply to private and government projects within and beyond the respective municipalities.
Additionally, significant Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) concerns were identified. These included the failure to provide workers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the lack of water usage for dust suppression at extraction sites, and inadequate covering of transported construction materials. These practices have resulted in environmental degradation and pose health and safety risks to communities. Such violations constitute breaches of Law No. 12/2021, of 30 June, on the Mining Code.
Consequently, administrative actions have been taken against the companies, including on-site verbal notifications followed by formal written notices instructing them to cease operations and to apply for the required Environmental License and Mineral Permit as required under Law No. 12/2021, of 30 June, on the Mining Code.
Furthermore, ANM inspectors also conducted Location Acknowledgement activities in the municipalities, particularly for companies that have submitted applications to ANM to formalize their mining operations, as required by Law No. 12/2021, of 30 June, on the Mining Code.
